The government has declined MTN Ghana’s offer to donate GH¢20 million to support Ghanaians affected by the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying it has already made adequate financial provision for evacuation and reintegration efforts.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had taken note of media reports indicating that MTN Ghana intended to make the donation following comments attributed to the company’s Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer; however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry said.
According to the statement, the government’s decision had already been communicated to MTN’s Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.
The Ministry said the Mahama administration, together with local partners, had made “adequate provision for ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians” returning from South Africa and was therefore unable to accept the company’s financial support.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to funding the evacuation exercise and providing reintegration assistance to every Ghanaian brought back from South Africa.
The Ministry also pledged to publish a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it is completed.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures that it will present to the general public a comprehensive account of the total cost of evacuations as soon as the exercise is concluded, in the interest of transparency and accountability,” the statement said.
The government further stressed its commitment to maintaining a favourable business environment for international companies operating in Ghana, regardless of their country of origin.
“Government will continue to create the best business ecosystem for all international brands operating in Ghana to succeed, irrespective of which country their businesses originated from,” the Ministry added.
